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VTech CreatiVision
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 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2015) |
 | |
 VTech CreatiVision | |
| Manufacturer | VTech |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console/home computer |
| Generation | Second generation |
| Release date | 1982 (Hong Kong) |
| Discontinued | Early 1986 |
| CPU | Rockwell 6502 @ 2 MHz |
| Memory | 1 Kb RAM, 16 Kb VRAM |
| Storage | Cassette tapes |
| Removable storage | ROM cartridges |
| Graphics | Texas Instruments TMS 9918/9929 |
| Sound | TI SN76489 |
| Controller input | Joystick/membrane keypad controllers |
| Successor | VTech Socrates |
The VTech CreatiVision is a hybrid computer and home video game console introduced by VTech in 1981 and released in 1982 during the second generation of video game consoles. It cost $295 Australian Dollars in Australia.[1] The hybrid unit was similar in concept to computers such as the APF Imagination Machine,[2] the older VideoBrain Family Computer, and to a lesser extent the Intellivision game console and Coleco Adam computer, all of which anticipated the trend of video game consoles becoming more like low-end computers. It was discontinued in 1986.[3][1]
History
[edit]The CreatiVision was distributed in many European countries, including most German-speaking countries like West Germany, Austria and Switzerland and also Italy, South Africa, in Israel under the Educat 2002 name, as well as in Australia and New Zealand under The Dick Smith Wizzard name. Other names for the system (all officially produced by VTech themselves) include the FunVision Computer Video Games System, Hanimex Rameses (both released in Australia and New Zealand) and VZ 2000 (planned for release in France, likely unreleased). All CreatiVision and similar clones were designed for use with PAL standard television sets, except the Japanese CreatiVision (distributed by Cheryco) which was NTSC and is nowadays much sought after by collectors. However, the US release was planned but never sold efficiently.
The CreatiVision console sports an 8-bit Rockwell 6502 CPU at a speed of 2 MHz, 1KB of RAM and 16KB of Video RAM, and has a graphics resolution of 256 × 192 with 16 colors and 32 sprites.[3][1] The console has two integrated joystick/membrane keypad controllers (much like the ColecoVision and Atari 5200) which, when set in a special compartment on top of the console, can be used as a computer keyboard. The CreatiVision has interfaces for a cassette player, an extra rubber keyboard, parallel I/O interface, floppy disk drive and modem (likely unreleased) and one memory expansion module for use with the Basic language cartridge. Any Centronics-compatible printer can be connected to the I/O module if present.
The CreatiVision was discontinued in late 1985/early 1986.[3][1]
Laser 2001 computer
[edit]A computer was produced by VTech in 1984-1986, based on CreatiVision hardware and compatible with most of its games: Laser 2001, which is also sold in West Germany and was brought to France. It was also available in Finland through Salora, with the name of Manager.[3][4] The Manager had a Finnish keyboard layout and character set.
Colecovision module
[edit]A module to allow ColecoVision games to be played was designed for use with the CreatiVision Mark-2 model (a later revision of the 1st model, incorporating hardware changes specifically designed to make the Coleco-module work). Before being produced, the module was modified internally and released for use on the Laser 2001 and Manager computers only. A special adaptor (homebrew) would be needed to make the Coleco-module work on the CreatiVision Mark-2.
List of games
[edit]In some regions, the console and its games were distributed by different companies, such as Cheryco in Japan, and Hanimex in Australia. VTech reissued several previous existing games in 1985.
There were 18 titles known to have been released.
- Background shading indicates games that were reissued in 1985.
| # | Title | AKA title(s) | Genre(s) | Clone of | Release year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air/Sea Attack |  Submarine Air/Sea Battle |
Fixed shooter | 1981 | |
| 2 | Astro Pinball | Pinball | None | 1982 | |
| 3 | Auto Chase | Car Chase |
Maze, Driving | Rally-X | 1981 |
| 4 | BASIC Interpreter 1.0 | None | None | 1982 | |
| 5 | Chopper Rescue | Scrolling shooter | 1983 | ||
| 6 | Crazy Chicky | Crazy Paku |
Maze | Pac-Man (with modified gameplay) | 1982 |
| 7 | Crazy Pucker[note 1] | Maze | Pac-Man | 1981 | |
| 8 | Deep Sea Adventure | Scrolling shooter | Defender | 1982 | |
| 9 | Locomotive | Platformer | BurgerTime | 1983 | |
| 10 | Mouse Puzzle | Puzzle | Loco-Motion | 1982 | |
| 11 | Music Maker | Music | None | 1983 | |
| 12 | Planet Defender | Earth Defense Force (Chikyū Bōeigun)Galaxy Defender |
Scrolling shooter | Defender | 1981 |
| 13 | Police Jump | Platformer | Donkey Kong | 1982 | |
| 14 | Soccer | Sports | None | 1983 | |
| 15 | Sonic Invader | Invaders |
Fixed shooter | Space Invaders | 1981 |
| 16 | Stone Age | Puzzle | Pengo | 1984 | |
| 17 | Tank Attack | Tank Battle |
Multi-directional shooter | Combat (video game) | 1981 |
| 18 | Tennis | Who's for Tennis? |
Sports | None | 1981 |
Additionally, there were 41 games for the Dick Smith Wizzard computer, all released by Dick Smith Electronics.[5]
| Title | Model |
|---|---|
| Asteroids | Model X-7248 |
| Attack of the Killer Tomatoes | Model X-7274 |
| Backammon | Model X-7273 |
| Battleships | Model X-1723 |
| Bowling Model | Model X-1724 |
| Chess | Model X-7275 |
| Code Breaker | Model X-1700 |
| Combination | Model X-1720 |
| Concentration | Model X-1725 |
| Dawn Patrol | Model X-7333 |
| Digout | Model X-7336 |
| Dracula Castle | Model X-7272 |
| Draughts | Model X-1722 |
| Duel | Model X-7279 |
| Factory Flare-up | Model X-1728 |
| Formula 1 | Model X-7331 |
| Galaxon | Model X-7332 |
| Game Disk 1 | Model X-7400 |
| Game Disk 2 | Model X-7401 |
| Game Disk 3 | Model X-7402 |
| Game Disk 4 | Model X-7403 |
| Grandfathers Gold | Model X-1726 |
| Hamburger Sam | Model X-7337 |
| Hangman | Model X-7233 |
| Hoppy | Model X-7243 |
| Kamakazi | Model X-7334 |
| Knights & Dragons | Model X-7245 |
| Ladder Challenge | Model X-7268 |
| Lunar Lander | Model X-7338 |
| Lunar Landing | Model X-1721 |
| Metric Spycacther | Model X-7289 |
| Missile Attack | Model X-7335 |
| Othello | Model X-7271 |
| Poker | Model X-7232 |
| Slot Machine | Model X-7234 |
| Starblaster | Model X-7247 |
| Super Snake | Model X-7244 |
| VZ Ghost Hunter | Model X-7242 |
| VZ Panic | Model X-7270 |
| VZ-Invaders | Model X-7239 |
| Whizkid Spycatch | Model X-7290 |
Notes
[edit]- ^ Crazy Pucker was reissued with two different titles; Crazy Chewy and Crazy Moonie.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "CreatiVision by VTech – The Video Game Kraken". Retrieved 2022-12-13.
- ^ "VTech CreatiVision - Player's Choice Video Games". www.playerschoicevideogames.com. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
- ^ a b c d "OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum". 2010-11-21. Archived from the original on 2010-11-21. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
- ^ "Dick Smith's Wizzard-ry 8 (Bit)". Archived from the original on 2025-04-09.
CreatiVision is a video game console. It was developed by VTech [..who..] themselves turned it into the Laser 2001, Salora sold it as the Salora Manager in Finland
- ^ [1]
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to VTech CreatiVision.
- CreatiVEmu: CreatiVision Emulation Central
- Creativision Datasette Interface
- VTech Creativision - Dark Watcher's Console History at the Wayback Machine (archived September 26, 2009)
- Video Game Console Library database entry
- 20th Century Retro Games entry (gallery page for many VTech CreatiVision models and regional variants)
- Retrospective: A Tale Of Dick Smith’s Wizzard (AUSRETROGAMER E-Zine. May 9, 2016 by Aaron Clement.)
- VTech CreatiVision core for MiSTer FPGA by Jamie Blanks
VTech CreatiVision
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The VTech CreatiVision is a hybrid home computer and video game console manufactured by the Hong Kong-based company VTech and released in 1982 as part of the second generation of video game systems.[1][2] Designed to function both as a gaming device and a basic microcomputer, it featured detachable controllers with keypads that could combine to form a full keyboard, along with an integrated cassette interface for data storage and loading.[2] The system targeted educational and entertainment markets, particularly in Europe, but was also distributed in regions including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and Israel under various brand names.[1][2]
Technically, the CreatiVision was powered by an 8-bit Rockwell 6502 processor running at 2 MHz, with 1 KB of RAM and 16 KB of video RAM, supporting a display resolution of 256 × 192 pixels in 16 colors and up to 32 sprites for graphics.[2] It included expansion options such as a parallel I/O port for Centronics-compatible printers, a floppy disk drive, and a memory expansion module, making it more versatile than typical consoles of the era like the ColecoVision, whose controller design it emulated.[2] An optional rubber membrane keyboard overlay enhanced its computer functionality, and it came bundled with a BASIC interpreter cartridge for programming.[2] Priced at around AU$295 at launch, the system was positioned as an affordable entry into home computing and gaming.[1][2]
The CreatiVision was marketed under several variants to suit regional preferences, including the Dick Smith Wizzard and Hanimex Rameses in Australia and New Zealand, the FunVision Computer Video Games System in some markets, and the Educat 2002 in Israel.[1][2] Its software library consisted of approximately 17 to 18 game cartridges, focusing on arcade-style titles such as Air/Sea Attack, Auto Chase, and Sonic Invader, alongside educational and productivity software enabled by the BASIC cartridge.[1][2] Despite its innovative hybrid design, the console achieved limited commercial success due to intense competition in the early 1980s video game market and was discontinued around 1986, with VTech later introducing the Laser 2001 and Socrates as successors.[1][2]
Cassette releases emphasized BASIC-compatible programs and game ports, with examples including Battleships (strategy, 1983), Bowling (sports, 1983), Code Breaker (puzzle, 1983), Draughts (board game, 1983), Factory Flare-up (action, 1983), Grandfather's Gold (adventure, 1983), Lunar Landing (simulation, 1983), and various demo tapes from VTech and distributors like Dick Smith Electronics. These tapes supported slower, data-intensive loading for educational tools like Statistics I and Financial Loan (1983). Some Wizzard-exclusive cassettes, such as Crazy Chewy, had no direct cartridge equivalent. A rare optional ColecoVision compatibility module allowed play of select ColecoVision titles by adding necessary hardware like a Z80 processor, though not all games were supported.[21]
History
Development
VTech, a Hong Kong-based electronics company, was founded in October 1976 by entrepreneurs Allan Wong and Stephen Leung, who recognized the potential of the emerging microchip revolution to produce affordable consumer electronics and educational toys.[3][4] Initially employing around 40 people, the company—originally named Video Technology Ltd.—focused on developing portable devices, including its first product, a handheld Pong-style video game released in 1977.[4] By the early 1980s, VTech sought to expand into the burgeoning home entertainment market, leveraging its expertise in educational electronics to bridge gaming and computing. In 1981, the company announced the CreatiVision as its first hybrid video game console and basic computer, designed to compete in the second-generation console era while appealing to the growing demand for accessible home computers.[3][5] This hybrid approach anticipated trends where consoles evolved into multifunctional devices, combining entertainment with simple programming capabilities for young users.[5][4] The CreatiVision's design emphasized affordability and expandability, targeting markets outside North America where cost-sensitive consumers sought versatile, entry-level systems. To achieve this, developers incorporated off-the-shelf components, including the Rockwell 6502 microprocessor, which allowed for cost-effective production without custom silicon.[5] Key milestones during development included prototyping in 1981, the integration of a BASIC programming language cartridge to enable user-created programs, and provisions for regional adaptations such as localized branding and peripherals.[4][5] These efforts positioned the CreatiVision as a foundational product, serving as a precursor to VTech's later educational computer lines, including the Laser series.[4]Release and variants
The VTech CreatiVision was introduced in 1981 and officially released in late 1982 in PAL regions across Europe, targeting markets including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and others. It was also distributed in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and Japan, with plans for a North American launch that were ultimately canceled due to market challenges.[6][2][7] In Australia, the console launched at a price of approximately AU$295. Availability was limited outside PAL territories, with the North American variant remaining a rare prototype that never reached widespread retail.[1][2] Regional variants included the Dick Smith Wizzard in Australia and New Zealand, distributed by Dick Smith Electronics and featuring exclusive game titles tailored for local audiences. In Israel, it was rebranded as the Educat 2002 to emphasize educational features. Other names used in select markets were FunVision Computer Video Games System, Hanimex Rameses, and simply Video Technology CreatiVision. In Japan, an NTSC version was sold under the Cheryco label but saw poor sales.[8][7][6] Production continued until early 1986, when the console was discontinued amid market saturation and intense competition from established systems by Atari, Coleco, and Commodore. A minor hardware refresh, known as the Mark-2 model, was introduced in late 1982 or early 1983, incorporating circuit modifications to enable compatibility with an unreleased ColecoVision expansion module.[9][6]Hardware
Core components
The VTech CreatiVision featured a Rockwell R6502 8-bit CPU operating at approximately 2 MHz, which served as the central processor for both computing and gaming functions.[10][11][12] This processor enabled the system's hybrid capabilities, handling program execution for cartridge-based software, including the optional BASIC interpreter cartridge. Memory in the CreatiVision consisted of 1 KB of static RAM for general computing tasks and 16 KB of dynamic VRAM dedicated to graphics processing.[10][11] The limited RAM supported basic programming in VTL-3, while the VRAM facilitated video output rendering. Graphics were managed by a Texas Instruments TMS9918A/9929A video display processor, supporting a resolution of 256x192 pixels with a 16-color palette (15 colors plus transparent) and up to 32 hardware sprites, with a limit of four per scanline to prevent flicker.[10][11] This VDP allowed for tile-based graphics modes, including text (24 rows by 32 columns of 8x8 pixel characters) and multicolor patterns, making it suitable for both educational software and simple games. Audio output was generated by a Texas Instruments SN76489 programmable sound generator, providing three square wave channels for tones and one noise channel for effects like percussion.[11] Each channel supported programmable frequency and volume, contributing to the system's basic but functional sound capabilities for the era. For storage and media, the CreatiVision included a built-in cassette port for loading and saving data via standard audio tapes, alongside a ROM cartridge slot for game and application expansion; it lacked any integrated disk drive.[10][11] Input handling incorporated two joystick ports, each equipped with paddle-style controllers featuring directional controls, two fire buttons, and integrated membrane keypads that could form a combined QWERTY keyboard when docked to the console.[10][11] Video output was delivered through an RF modulator for connection to standard televisions.[11]Expandability and peripherals
The VTech CreatiVision's modular design emphasized expandability through its built-in cartridge slot, which supported ROM cartridges for games and software, alongside optional memory expansion modules that added up to 16 KB of RAM specifically for use with the BASIC language cartridge to enable more complex programming.[5][13] A standard accessory was the cassette recorder, which integrated with the console to allow users to load and save programs and games via standard audio tapes connected through the dedicated interface.[5][13] Additional peripherals included a parallel I/O interface module for connecting Centronics-compatible printers and floppy disk drives for improved data storage and retrieval. A 300-baud modem was planned as an official add-on to enable data communications, though it appears to have been unreleased. Joystick alternatives were limited to the integrated controllers, but the parallel interface allowed for custom input expansions in some configurations.[5][13] The Laser 2001, a successor home computer released by VTech between 1984 and 1986 based on the CreatiVision's hardware, featured a built-in keyboard and expanded BASIC functionality while retaining compatibility with CreatiVision cartridges.[14] Despite these features, the system had notable limitations, including no official support for modems or networking beyond the unreleased unit, and power supplies that varied by region to match local voltage and plug standards, such as 110V for North America and 220V for Europe.[5][15]Software
Built-in features
The VTech CreatiVision's built-in features provide basic video game console functionality, with computing capabilities enabled by optional cartridges and peripherals. Central to the educational and programming aspects is the BASIC Interpreter 1.0 cartridge (catalog no. 8011), providing a dialect of BASIC for user-created programs and tasks.[16] This BASIC enables writing custom code for graphics, sound, and logic, supporting the system's 1 KB of RAM for basic operations while relying on the underlying TMS9918A video display processor for output. It operates in a text-based environment with a 32-character display mode, facilitating line-by-line input and execution of commands for drawing and audio generation, though constrained by integer-only arithmetic without floating-point support.[17] This design encouraged logical thinking and introductory coding, reflecting VTech's emphasis on educational tools for children and families. Users could switch between console mode for gaming and computer mode for programming via the combined controller keypads or optional membrane keyboard overlay, which integrated with the joysticks for versatile input.[2] Demonstrations available via the BASIC cartridge showcase these capabilities, including a rudimentary drawing program to illustrate graphics commands, a music composer for experimenting with sound synthesis, and interactive math drills to reinforce arithmetic skills. These tools promoted hands-on learning, such as creating simple sprites or melodies, and aligned with the system's goal of blending entertainment and education.[18]Cartridge and cassette library
The VTech CreatiVision software library primarily consisted of ROM-based cartridges and audio cassette tapes, offering a mix of games, utilities, and educational programs. Cartridges typically held 4-16 KB of ROM and covered genres such as shooters, puzzles, sports simulations, and arcade-style clones. The standard CreatiVision received approximately 17 official cartridges, including the BASIC Interpreter.[19] The Dick Smith Wizzard variant expanded the ecosystem with additional titles, including approximately 15 cassette-based releases from Dick Smith Electronics.[20] Cassette software, loaded via an optional tape interface, included games, BASIC programs, and demos, though loading times ranged from 5-10 minutes due to the analog format. Most software was developed in-house by VTech in Hong Kong or through licensed adaptations of popular arcade concepts, with limited third-party involvement owing to the console's regional distribution in Europe, Australia, and South Africa. Titles often featured colorful graphics and sound via the TMS9918A chip, emphasizing simple controls with membrane overlays. Cassette releases were particularly prominent for the Wizzard, enabling program storage and loading in BASIC mode, though they suffered from reliability issues common to early tape media.[6] Notable cartridge titles are cataloged below, focusing on official VTech releases and variants. Many drew inspiration from established arcade hits, adapting mechanics to the system's capabilities. The table includes representative examples with genres and known inspirations where documented.| Title | Alternate Names | Genre | Original Inspiration | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air/Sea Attack | Submarine (Japan), Air/Sea Battle (Australia) | Shooter | Scramble (arcade) | 1982 |
| Astro Pinball | - | Pinball | General pinball simulations | 1982 |
| Auto Chase | - | Racing | General racing games | 1982 |
| BASIC Interpreter 1.0 | - | Programming | - | 1982 |
| Chopper Rescue | - | Action | Choplifter (arcade) | 1982 |
| Crazy Chicky | - | Maze | Maze chase games (e.g., Lady Bug) | 1982 |
| Crazy Pucker | Crazy Chewy, Crazy Moonie (Wizzard exclusive) | Maze | Pac-Man (arcade) | 1982 |
| Deep Sea Adventure | - | Adventure | Exploration adventures | 1982 |
| Locomotive | - | Action | Train simulations | 1983 |
| Mouse Puzzle | - | Puzzle | Pipe Dream-style connectors | 1982 |
| Music Maker | - | Music/Educational | Music composition tools | 1983 |
| Planet Defender | Galaxy Defender (Australia), Earth Defense Force (Japan) | Shooter | Galaxian/Space Invaders (arcade) | 1982 |
| Police Jump | - | Platform | Platform jumpers | 1982 |
| Soccer | - | Sports | Soccer/football simulations | 1983 |
| Sonic Invader | - | Shooter | Space Invaders (arcade) | 1982 |
| Stone Age | - | Action | Prehistoric adventure | 1984 |
| Tank Attack | - | Action | Battlezone/Scramble (arcade) | 1982 |